North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Vow to Advance his Country’s Atomic Ambitions
Kim's weapons program has achieved notable progress, including the recent testing of a missile designed to reach the U.S. mainland and the apparent commissioning of a previously dormant nuclear reactor, potentially contributing significantly to plutonium production.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un outlined his agenda for the upcoming year, emphasizing a continued focus on advancing the country’s nuclear arms program and exploring potential deepened ties with Russia.
Addressing a significant policy-setting gathering attended by high-ranking officials from his ruling party, Kim delineated tasks for the People’s Army, munitions industry, nuclear weapons, and civil defense sectors.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday that these directives were aimed at accelerating war preparations.
Kim additionally expressed North Korea’s intent to “expand and develop relations of strategic cooperation with anti-imperialist independent countries,” as reported by KCNA, a reference believed to include Russia in this context.
With Kim arguably at the peak of his power after approximately 12 in office, recent arms transfers to Russia have likely provided a boost to North Korea’s economy, which is grappling with sanctions.
This economic support enables Kim to persist in avoiding disarmament-for-aid negotiations with the United States.
Satellite imagery has revealed a consistent trade flow between the North Korean port of Najin and the Russian Far East port of Dunay in recent months.
Accusations from the U.S. and South Korea claiming that Kim’s regime sent significant quantities of munitions to Russia for support in Vladimir Putin’s conflict with Ukraine have been denied by both Pyongyang and Moscow.
Despite these geopolitical tensions, Kim has conducted over 100 ballistic missile tests in the last two years, enhancing North Korea’s capability to deliver a nuclear strike on the U.S. and its regional allies.
Kim’s weapons program has achieved notable progress, including the recent testing of a missile designed to reach the U.S. mainland and the apparent commissioning of a previously dormant nuclear reactor, potentially contributing significantly to plutonium production.
Traditionally, the conclusion of the major policy meeting at the end of December involves a detailed report highlighting the country’s accomplishments and outlining plans for the upcoming year.
A year ago, Kim pledged to expand the nuclear arsenal in response to perceived hostile acts by the U.S. and South Korea, signaling a reluctance to engage in long-stalled disarmament talks, as evidenced in the nearly 5,500-word report from that policy-setting meeting. — DSA
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